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Customer Questions and Answers for Defrost Bimetal by Whirlpool

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Manufacturer Part
4.89 (64)
By: Whirlpool
Part Number: OEM18027960
Manufacturer Part Number: WP4387503

The Defrost Bimetal is an OEM part for Whirlpool refrigerators. It acts as a safety thermostat that monitors and controls the temperature during the defrost cycle. This component ensures that the defrost heater turns off when the evaporator coil reaches a specific temperature, preventing overheating and potential damage.

Causes of failure may include a malfunction due to wear and tear over time, electrical failure, or damage from moisture and ice.  

Symptoms of a bad Defrost Bimetal include:

  • The refrigerator is constantly running without cycling off
  • Frost buildup on the evaporator coils, leading to reduced cooling efficiency
  • The refrigerator or freezer compartment is too warm
  • Unusual fluctuations in refrigerator temperature

This OEM Whirlpool part is also compatible with Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper and some Kenmore models.

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Questions & Answers

For Whirlpool Defrost Bimetal (Part Number: OEM18027960)

1 Answer

Kevin, There is a air diffuser in the refrigerator compartment that sounds like it would be the issue and causing the freezing. The part number for this would be W10814173.

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Charles Lakin for Model Number ET1CHKXKT01

My fridge needs a new thermostat. The old one has markings T-O-D 37T v31 2182380. Your product information says that AP6009317 replaces 2182380. The new one looks exactly like the old one, so I assumed this would be the right one. However, when I put in my model number,it says this new one is incompatible with my fridge. The one they say is compatible does not look anything like my old one and has only one wire, not 2, coming out of it. Please help. Thanks!

1 Answer

Charles, The original defrost bi metal [2182380] has been discontinued and substituted by the manufacturer. The correct defrost bi metal switch for the model number you supplied is WP4387503 / 4387503. It won't register in the "compatability tool" because it is a direct replacement "substitute part". The part is in stock and available at this time. Thanks

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1 Answer

Justin, This issue sounds like the drain is clogged and you will want to remove the freezer rear wall and clean out the ice and flush the drain with hot water. This should correct the issue but it does this again you could install a heater probe 819043.

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1 Answer

Hello Scott. The cycling on and off your hearing is the compressor not starting. You need to check the relay and overload WPW10197428 first. If they are good, then you go to the main board WPW10235414 on the unit. If it is good, the last thing is the compressor W10160407 is bad on the unit. You can test this with a multi-meter TJMA-DMT3. Here is a link on how to use a multi-meter. http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/oven-repair-including-ranges-cooktops/4810-how-check-continuity-ohmmeter.html

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Scott

We have a 3-4 year old Whirlpool refrigerator that quit cooling and freezing. A local service tech replaced the "start device" on the compressor. Still didn't work. Said we needed a new compressor, or that possibly the fridge leaked refrigerant, After researching, I replaced the defrost thermostat and still nothing. Any ideas that a handy person can check? I have heard that the main control board is a common problem with the Whirlpool fridge, but have no clue how to test. Using the service sheet under the fridge, I ran the diagnostics and everything seemed to check out.

1 Answer

Steve, With the defrost timer having been replaced, the most likely cause for this issue would be caused by a faulty operating thermostat. This would be the only other part aside from there being a floating restriction in the sealed system that would cause the unit to stop working and thaw then refreeze.

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1 Answer

Hello Ken. You can install it either way. It is a closed circuit. Pink to red and White to brown is fine or you can switch them. Thanks.

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1 Answer

Hello Lori, You will need to look in the freezer compartment for the fan WR60X10254 that circulates air into the fresh food compartment. This fan should be checked to ensure it is running at full speed. If so, remove the rear wall of the freezer compartment to check for a frost build-up on the evaporator coils.

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Jack for Model Number ET21PKXFW01

Refrig / Freezer working fine. Problem: Water/ice forming inside refrigerator (finding this usually happens at night because we see it most often when checking the inside the frig in the morning). Pulled the lower plastic components out of the freezer and found the Drain Tube tray full of Ice and the Drain tube entrance plugged with Ice. Defrosted the tray and drain tube. (drain tube clear to lower pan ~ now no obstructions) Ordered and installed a new heat element (the U shaped tube with a wire connector) I have a suspicision that the heat tube is not getting a signal to heat up and is not activating. Could it be the Bimetal or more likely the defrost timer? I would rather change out the most likely suspect...What Item controls the heater tube I guess is my question. The OHM check is not that easy to do because of all the steps to do it. so rather just change out the most likely defective part.. Jack

1 Answer

Jack, The unit freezing up would be caused by a clogged drain. You can install a drain tube probe that will help to correct this issue. The part number is 819043.

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1 Answer

Hello John. It sounds like you may have a defrost problem with the unit. Check and see if there is any frost build up on the evaporator coils in the freezer. If so, you will need to test the defrost heater and the defrost thermostat. They should read closed for continuity when cold. You can test this with a multi-meter TJMA-DMT3. I will include a link at the end to assist you how to use the multi-meter if needed. If both parts are good, you will need to replace the control board. Once the problem is repaired, you will need to thaw out the ice on the coils before the unit will operate properly. http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/oven-repair-including-ranges-cooktops/4810-how-check-continuity-ohmmeter.html

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